Radio Jockey Job Description Sample

A Radio Jockey (aka RJ) is responsible for playing music, holding discussions with the listeners, and conducting interviews on radio. These professionals use specially designed equipment to broadcast a variety of audio content, including songs, news, debates, promo events, among others. Radio DJs are generally expected to have a pleasant, smooth and neatly articulated voice along with a knack for engaging the listeners with humor and wit. 

(This is a sample Radio Jockey Job Description which you can adapt and use for job postings.) 

Job brief 

We are currently looking for a talented Radio Jockey with X years of experience (mention the number of years as per the needs of your Radio station or show). You can look forward to working in a fun, lively and fast-paced environment that fosters career growth and learning. 

(Give a short and attractive intro on your Radio station, the Radio Jockey skills you are looking for, and the prospects for growth one can expect as an employee.) 

Responsibilities and deliverables 

• Pick the songs to be broadcasted according to the tastes of audiences
• Prepare daily program schedules
• Offer updates on trending news
• Keep the listeners enlightened on traffic reports
• Offer updates on weather conditions
• Interview popular celebrities from the world of showbiz, politics, business, education etc.
• Promote the radio station through social media networking
• Update the radio station’s website with content on upcoming shows
• Come up with innovative ideas to grab hold of the audience's attention

(Add or remove responsibilities as per the unique needs of your Radio station) 

Education and training 

A high school degree is seen as the minimum educational requirement for becoming a radio Jockey. However, employers prefer hiring candidates with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, media or related field. Those who have participated in media related internships have a better chance of landing an entry level Radio Jockey job. 

Skills required 

• Should have a talent for writing scripts
• Should stay abreast of the latest developments in movies, music, politics etc.
• Must have strong knowledge of audio equipment and computers
• Should be energetic and enthusiastic about the job
• Strong aptitude for mimicry is a plus
• Should have a creative bent of mind
• Must have a focused approach to problem solving
• Should be resourceful and adaptable
• Sense of humor is a plus in this field
• Strong in General knowledge / Current Affairs
• Should be able to project confidence and optimistic outlook
• Excellent communication skills
• Should have an appealing voice (Your diction and pronunciation should be clear)
• Time management skills (Ability to multi-task)

(You can edit these skills as per the requirements of your Radio show) 

The good 

• Fun career (job is very rewarding)
• You get to connect with people holding diverse interests
• Work timings are mostly flexible
• Innovative work environment that nurtures creativity

The bad 

• Very stressful and demanding profession
• Hectic job (requires consistent hard work)
• Offbeat working hours (you should be comfortable hosting shows early morning or late in the night at times)
• Being alone is part and parcel of the job (you are expected to spend long hours at a tiny soundproofed space with hardly anyone for company)

Radio Jockey Salary 

Radio Disc Jockeys earn a mean annual salary of $35,524, according to payscale.com. The salary lies in the range of $20,305 to $67,340. 

Work conditions 

Radio Jockeying is one of the most interesting, creative and promising career options available for current day youngsters. The job role of a Radio Jockey varies according to the subject the show deals with. At the start of the career, RJs might be expected to work in early morning or late night shifts. It is not the usual 9 to 5 job. A Radio Jockey is expected to be flexible about the shifts, as there’s no firm time schedules. Radio Jockeys can find work in various Radio stations, both private and the ones owned by government. Leading radio stations conduct RJ auditions every so often, especially in the big cities, to get the best talent on board. Coopetition is huge and the career opportunities and job vacancies aren’t many for Radio Jockeys. After working as an RJ for a few years, one can start doing voice-overs for TV and radio ads, documentaries etc.